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Fourth Engineer - job post

British Antarctic Survey
4.7 out of 5 stars
Antarctica
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Location

Antarctica

Full job description

RRS Sir David Attenborough, Antarctica

JOB INFO

    Job Category
    Mariner
    Apply Before
    07/12/2026, 05:55 PM
    Job Identification
    2450
    Posting Date
    06/09/2026, 08:20 AM
    Job Shift
    Day

JOB DESCRIPTION

Fourth Engineer
British Antarctic Survey
BAS 26/59
Contract type: OEA
Location: RRS Sir David Attenborough
Salary: £45,000 - £47,250 per annum (pro rata) Salary depending on certificate of competency.
Closing date: 12 July 2026
Interview date: TBC

Background/Overview:
Responsible to: Polar Chief Engineer
Reporting officer: Second Engineer Officer
Works closely with: Polar Chief Engineer, Engineering department, Chief Officer


British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Fourth Engineer to join the crew of the RRS Sir David Attenborough. BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!


As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:
  • Generous benefit pension scheme
  • Comprehensive sick pay coverage
  • During Antarctic deployment all food, accommodation and polar clothing are provided
  • Employer discount scheme on a range of travel gifts and leisure
  • Support for further tickets/training courses

Purpose:
  • To be responsible for the management of an engine room watch or UMS duty watch and the maintenance of plant and machinery as instructed.
  • To plan and execute carefully all duties and tasks assigned to them.

Duties:
  • To carry out maintenance, managing their specified tasks in accordance with the PMS and assist with other maintenance tasks under the direction of the Second Engineer Officer.
  • To fully utilise the PMS ensuring that all routine and non-routine tasks are correctly recorded, to provide future benefit.
  • To assume special responsibility for the fuel oil and lube oil purifiers, fuel oil bunkering and internal fuel oil transfer, and to assist Polar C/E with Ship’s Bunkering Operations.
  • To maintain the Oil Record Book under the supervision of the Second Engineer.
  • To observe and report defects (in PMS) of any machinery and advise possible requirements for spares/stores.
  • To take charge of and manage an engine room watch/duty watch at sea and in port under the direction of the Second Engineer.
  • To assist the Second Engineer with the implementation and operation of Ship’s Winterisation procedures.
  • To have an understanding of the BAS Permit to Work systems and assist and comply with its use.
  • To undertake any other duties consistent with the key responsibilities and duties of the post, as directed by the Master.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
  • Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions
  • UK Engineer Officer of the Watch (Motor) CoC or CeC
  • Four Elements of STCW basic training to STCW 2010, as amended (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR)
  • STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
  • STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
  • Strong awareness of health, safety, security and environmental policies.
  • Demonstrate success in a relevant work environment, backed by evidence of significant appropriate specialist knowledge
  • A comprehensive and up to date knowledge of maritime legislation that relates to the role.
  • Experience of PC based PMS, including Condition Based Maintenance, developing and carrying out maintenance tasks.
  • Ability to work alone or within a team.
  • Knowledge of emergency scenarios, responses and everyday operations.
  • Strong and independent problem solving abilities and task prioritisation.
  • Ability to operate computer based ships control and monitoring systems.
  • Engine Room watch keeping skills that encompass traditional techniques as well as modern electronic surveillance systems.
  • Ability to establish professional working relationships with Ship’s staff, scientists and shoreside personnel.
  • Excellent time management skills and prioritisation in situations of conflicting demands.
  • Confident and articulate written and oral English communication at all levels.
  • Broad IT skills

Desirable:
  • UK Class II Engineer Unlimited (Motor) CoC or CeC
  • Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (Oil Tanker) – Basic level
  • C&G 2079 (Level 2 Award in F-Gas and ODS Regulations)
  • Helideck Emergency Response Team Member
  • High Risk Enclosed Spaces training
  • Evidence of continual professional development
  • Experience of Vessel operations in Polar Regions
  • Experience of working on Scientific Research Vessel.
  • Awareness of Diesel Electric and CPP propulsion systems
  • To have experience in small boat maintenance and operation.

Other requirements: To obtain medical clearance for Polar service from BAS Medical Unit (BASMU).


The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.


ABOUT US

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.

ABOUT THE TEAM

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.

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